 Human rights express the core purpose of the United Nations. We can only attain peace, security, and sustainable development of all societies when we advance the dignity and equality of all human beings. In the course of my work, I fully intend to honor both the spirit and the practice established by my predecessors. I bring to this mandate my experience in public service and my lifelong dedication to reversing hatred and ensuring equality and respect for all. I have been a political detainee and the daughter of political detainees. I have been a refugee and a physician, including for children who experience torture and the enforced disappearance of their parents. I bring to the course of human rights the diversity of cultures that have nourished my approach to public service. I bring my commitment to bridging the differences between communities and promoting respect, well-being, and freedom. Political differences may divide some of the countries in this room, but upholding human rights is in the interest of every state. Your people seek a common agenda, rights, sustainable development, and peace. I am convinced that this council must strive for consensus. I believe there should be more engagement by all member states, not sterile dispute, not withdrawals, but collective, coordinated, and cooperative work to sustain core principles and common goals. It is states which have the primary responsibility for upholding the rights of their people. I will always listen to the concerns of government. I will advocate for the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights that are the inherent entitlements of all people. I will strive to be their voice and their strong defender in complete objectivity, without fear of favor, and to urge all states to protect and promote all human rights without distinction. It is an honor to be called to this mandate, to assist states to uphold the human rights of their people. In this year in which we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Universal Declaration is a commitment to values and policies that have delivered tremendous benefit to millions of people.